The Duluth Transit Authority’s New Bus System Finds Success in Inaugural Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Transit Authority has found success after making major changes to its bus system.

One year ago the DTA launched ‘The Better Bus Blueprint.’ It added two new “GO” routes and consolidated many of its local stops.

The system is designed to efficiently transport riders to city activity centers.

In its inaugural year, the new system saw a 11% increase in total ridership along with a significant increase of weekend riders.

“‘One of the biggest things we do is get constant public feedback and one of the things everybody was asking for was more weekend service for a lot of people who work in retail when our old system didn’t operate as much weekend service,” said Chris Belden, Direct of Planning and Grants at Duluth Transit Authority. “And then a lot of requests in Superior for later evening service. So one of the biggest things is extend our Duluth to Superior route out to midnight.”

While the new system has been successful, it didn’t go without its share of up and downs. As the DTA has been battling a driver shortage, but the DTA says a large class is currently tackling driver school.